FROM CHANGEUP TO CHAMPIONS

CLIENT

"FMG Leading has been a tremendous assett to the current and future success of this storied UCLA Softball program. I am fortunate to have them in my world!"

-Kelly Inouye-Perez

The University of California, Los Angeles athletics program is the winningest and most storied in the history of American college sports, with 112 NCAA national team championships and over 250 Olympic medals. Building on the legacy of legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, the program is consistently top-ranked nationally across the broad spectrum of collegiate sports.

CHALLENGE

In 2007, long-time UCLA assistant Kelly Inouye-Perez was named the new head coach of UCLA’s renowned women’s softball program. After a season of struggle during which the 10-time NCAA (and 11-time national) Champion Bruins failed to qualify for the Women’s College World Series for the first time in the sport’s 24-year history, the first-time head coach needed a coach, and FMG Leading was called up to the plate.

CHANGE

Coach Inouye-Perez led the team to its 12th NCAA Championship, as the Bruins went a perfect 10-0 in the postseason...

FMG Leading worked closely with Coach Inouye-Perez to design and execute a five-phased plan to help her, and the team recapture championship performance. The process included: 1) clarifying leadership beliefs, vision and standards; 2) reorganizing the structures, systems and accountabilities; 3) creating buy-in of the changes by all stakeholders, from coaching staff and players, to support personnel, administrators and fans; 4) designing and implementing clear communication and branding strategies for both the leader and the team; and 5) ongoing leadership coaching and mentoring.

As a result of their partnership with FMG Leading, the relationships and culture of the team vastly improved, as has performance on the field. Coach Inouye-Perez is a resolute leader who continually strives to foster excellence and inspire confidence in staff and team members. The joy of the game returned to the team, with passion and enthusiasm emanating from all levels.

RESULTS

By 2010, UCLA’s Softball program was back on top. Coach Inouye-Perez led the team to its 12th national championship, as the Bruins went a perfect 10-0 in the postseason, including 5-0 at the 2010 Women's College World Series (WCWS) setting numerous WCWS records along the way. In both 2010 and 2014, Coach Inouye-Perez and her staff were honored as the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) National Coaching Staff of the Year.